Passing the New York Health Act will benefit all citizens: Letter

Imagine not being able to afford the insulin that keeps you alive, or a high deductible keeps you from using your insurance at all, or you’re staying in an abusive relationship or miserable job just to keep your coverage, or nursing home costs wipe out your family’s savings.

These are some of the stories we heard in Albany on June 5 from a diverse group of citizens visiting state senators Terrence Murphy and Sue Serino to urge them to support the NY Health Act (S4840/A4738). This legislation proposes a single-payer system funded by broad-based revenue and ability to pay. Neither senator seems to be in favor of it, or even talk about it openly with constituents.

Virtually everyone has a healthcare insurance “story.” Insurance providers are for-profit companies, and they operate accordingly. Your health shouldn't have to depend on your wealth.

Versions of these bills have passed the Assembly in legislative sessions 2015/16 and 2017/18 – and again last month, by a more than a two-to-one majority. But, the Senate bill continuously dies in the Health Committee, on which Dr. Murphy serves.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is under attack. With premiums, co-pays, and deductibles already on the rise, unpredictable changes resulting from the new tax law set for 2019, and efforts to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, the federal government is clearly not acting on our behalf.

That’s why it’s time for the states to step up, and New York can lead the way.

You can find out more at Campaign for New York Health, www.nyhcampaign.org and Physicians for a National Health Program, www.pnhp.org.